ListenAugust 2008
Parents Can Play An
Active Role In The Identity Formation Of Their Adolescent Children
Mainstream belief regarding identity
theory tends to portray adolescents as the sole agents involved in their
identity development. However, a new article in the Journal of
Research on Adolescence reveals that parents are concerned,
involved, and reflective participants in their children's identity
formation.
Elli Schachter, PhD, of Bar Ilan University and Jonathan Ventura of the
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, studied parents, adolescents, and
educators affiliated with the Orthodox Jewry in Israel. Researchers
documented and described parents that invested a great amount of time
and effort thinking about their children's identity, even fashioning
their own lives with their children's future identities in mind.
The parents demonstrated the extent to which they saw themselves as
active participants in their children's identity formation. They
reflected on how best to form relationships with their children, what
environments to choose for their children that would best serve some
vision of what they hope their children will become, and how they hope
their children will come to see themselves.
Such thinking and planning can be very complex, taking into account
broad socio-cultural factors, personal psychological dynamics, and
ethical concerns. However, parents did not act as mere socializing
agents, blindly attempting to reproduce traditional values and roles
within their children. Rather, they took a complex view, respecting
their children's agency while also taking broader, social and cultural
perspectives into account.
"Research on identity within the field of psychology should broaden its
focus to include a wider unit of analysis than the solitary individual,"
the authors conclude. "Such a focus will empower parents and educators
to take a more conscious, positive, and active though careful role in
the identity formation of youth while previously such a role may have
been understood and portrayed as 'out-of-bounds.'"
Adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
28 August 2008
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119567.php
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New Executive Director
of Starr's Van Wert Campus Announced
Kelley Jones of Groveport, Ohio, has been promoted to Executive Director
of Starr Commonwealth’s Van Wert, Ohio campus. Jones has served as
Assistant Director and Intake Coordinator for Starr Commonwealth’s
Hannah Neil Center in Columbus, Ohio since 2001. Starr Commonwealth is a
nationally recognized nonprofit serving children and families from
across the country and internationally in Michigan and Ohio. Jones’
entire life has revolved around the betterment of children and families.
Originally from Albion, Michigan, where Starr Commonwealth operates its
largest residential program, Jones is the daughter of Duane Dobbert,
former Calhoun County Juvenile Court Director, and Judyth Dobbert-Meloy,
former superintendent of Albion Public Schools. Her family’s vested
interest in the welfare of youth led Jones to seek a similar career
path. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University
of Michigan and a master’s degree of arts, specializing in marriage and
families, from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Shortly after
graduation, Jones joined Starr Commonwealth as a Residential Youth
Specialist in Van Wert in April 1994. During her 14-year tenure, Jones
progressed in her responsibility and commitment to the organization
through a variety of positions.
“Kelley has demonstrated unwavering dedication to children and families
while also modeling Starr Commonwealth’s core values of honesty,
compassion, respect, responsibility and fairness,” said Martin L.
Mitchell, President and CEO of Starr Commonwealth. “We’re proud of
Kelley’s achievements and pleased to announce her new role at Starr.”
“I’m looking forward to returning to the Van Wert community,” said
Jones. “It’s where I began my career, met my husband and made a lot of
friends. I have so many fond memories of Van Wert and our family is
looking forward to making more.”
Jones, her husband Scott, and their two daughters will relocate to Van
Wert in time for her first day in her new role on Sept. 8. As director
of the campus, she will oversee the operation of the traditional
residential program for boys and the private therapeutic residential
program known as Montcalm School for Girls.
“I am extremely excited about this chance to work with a new population
of students, help even more families and the challenges and
opportunities ahead,” Jones said.
Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth is a nationally recognized children
and family services nonprofit licensed by the States of Michigan and
Ohio and accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for
Families and Children. The organization serves more than 4,000 children,
families and professionals through strength-based residential and
community-based programs in Albion, Battle Creek and Detroit, Michigan,
and Van Wert and Columbus, Ohio. Services range from specialized
treatment programs, treatment foster care, day treatment, mental health
therapy and substance abuse. It also operates Montcalm Schools, a
private therapeutic residential treatment program, and a variety of
training for professionals working with youth.
Press relese: eMesdiaWire
26 August 2008
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2008/8/prweb1233364.htm
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TASMANIA
Abuse in care Trust Fund
The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, today announced the establishment of a Trust Fund to enable future claims from victims of abuse in state care to be addressed. Ms Giddings said Tasmania was the first State to make ex gratia payments for adults who were abused as children while in state care, with 686 people already compensated and a further 1000 applications being considered as part of the current process.
“Tasmania has led the way in recognising the suffering of former wards of the State,” Ms Giddings said. “Today’s announcement means we will continue to provide justice and compassion into the future. We have already done far more than any other State or Territory. Since 2003 we have conducted three separate processes lasting many months seeking applications from former wards of state. We have already paid out more than $24 million to 686 people, with an average payment of $35 000.
“The applications currently under consideration by the independent assessor could see a similar amount expended. Nevertheless, it is clear some people may still have missed out and I believe they too deserve recognition if they come forward in the future. Cabinet agreed this week to establish a Trust Fund to allow ex gratia payments to be made in response to future claims from former wards of state. As with the previous processes, applications will be considered for those who were aged 18 or over as at the 11 July 2003 and who suffered abuse while in the formal care of the State. Applicants will be eligible for an ex gratia payment of up to $35 000.”
Ms Giddings said the independent assessor, Richard Bingham, had begun considering claims under the current process and more than 350 applicants have already received advice regarding their eligibility for assessment and interviews have commenced. “Priority is currently being given to the elderly and seriously ill. The process of considering applications will take time and applicants have been asked to be patient as the team works through the process. The establishment of a long term process is testament to the Government’s strong commitment to the welfare of Tasmania’s children – past, present and future – and in particular those whose care has been entrusted to the State.”
Ms Giddings said the Government had also received a small number of submissions from individuals to the current assessment process from people who were formerly placed at the Royal Derwent. “These submissions are being assessed in the same manner as others submitted as part of the assessment process and will now continue to be so assessed on a case-by-case basis in the future.
“The Government would support a parliamentary select committee to look at the issues of the past and provide recommendations on how the wrongs of the past should be addressed. This would include consideration of a formal apology from the Parliament on behalf of all Tasmanians. I will work with other interested members of Parliament in coming weeks to develop the framework for such an inquiry,” Ms Giddings said.
Tasmanian Government Media Releases
21 August 2005
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=24554
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German rating system targets violent computer games
Violent computer games are sparking controversy all over the world. Legislation recently passed in Germany in July, for example, makes it easier to put such games on the banned list following the introduction of a rating index. Yet what does it all really mean? Who sets the age recommendations for "normal" games? In Germany, at least, these roles have been in flux of late. Games on Germany's banned list cannot be sold publicly. That includes any advertising and sales through mail order. The decision to flag a game is made by the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (BPjM). Since the July 1 revision of the Protection of Minors Act, the agency has been granted even more authority.
That includes the authorisation to list games that propagate vigilante justice as the only solution to a problem. The criteria have also been expanded for the automatic inclusion of specific games in the list. "The chance to list a game has been increased many times over by the letter of the law," says Michael Trier, editor-in-chief of Munich-based GameStar magazine. Trier fears, however, that the revisions of the law are more likely to lead to uncertainty, particularly when there is controversy over whether a game really is predominantly violent.
The third revision: The age labelling system will be significantly broader in future. The age classifications have not been changed. Some games are open to a general audience. The next levels are "6," "12," and "16." Any game assigned an "18" is banned for youths. There are also games that cannot be rated at all. Such titles require action by the BPjM frequently land on the index.
The labelling system is organized by the Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) in Berlin, with support until now from the Association for the Promotion of Youths and Social Work. Two industrial associations assumed sponsorship from June 1: the German Association of Computer Game Developers (G.A.M.E.) and the German Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (BIU), both of which are headquartered in Berlin. Can two industrial associations police their own members effectively? "Yes," says BIU spokesman Olaf Wolters. After all, the decision-making power lies with the federal states: "The Protection of Minors Act calls for the Supreme Youth Agencies of the state to undertake the labelling. And they employ the USK," Wolters says.
The USK functions as a service provider, commissioning a circle of independent experts. These observers first play the game, present their results to a five-person committee consisting of at least four of roughly 60 expert appraisers from the USK, including teachers and employees of the youth agencies. The committee is then completed by a permanent representative of the Supreme Youth Agencies of the states. "The majority decides, but the permanent representative always has a veto right," Olaf Wolters explains. The decision on where to draw lines is often difficult, the psychologist says. "If a game is to receive approval for all ages, then it needs to be friendly and colourful," Wolters says.
The decision whether to apply a "6" or a "12" to a game is often a fine one. The same applies to the thin line between "16" and "18." The more realistic and more drastic the game, the higher the chances that it will go to stores with an "18" sticker on it.
DPA
24 August 2008
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Beckham begs youths to end knife culture
England football icon David Beckham has pleaded with the country's youths to end the wave of fatal knife attacks blighting Britain's inner cities, citing his own tragic experiences.
The international star, 33, joined forces Monday with England goalkeeper David James and defender Rio Ferdinand -- plus Prime Minister Gordon Brown -- to urge youngsters to think twice about arming themselves with knives. Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham, who captained England last time out, said he was 13 when the brother of one of his best friends was stabbed while trying to break up a street fight, and ended up paralysed. "No-one wants to see the devastation I saw my friend and his family go through. We have to lend our support to this campaign," Beckham said at the England team's hotel in Watford, northwest of London.
"You don't expect situations that are happening whereby people go to school in the morning and then you never see them again," he added, sitting alongside Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. "We have got to help. We have got a voice that kids listen to. It is unfortunate it is part of life, part of culture, these days and this is why we want to get involved. We want to make a change."
There is widespread concern about the increasing number of teenagers killed by knives in Britain this year and fears about a growing violent gang culture among the nation's youth. Saturday's killing of a 17-year-old boy was the 17th fatal stabbing out of 23 teenagers killed in London this year.
Manchester United star Ferdinand said he was from the same south London estate as Damilola Taylor and attended the same school as Stephen Lawrence, victims of perhaps the most notorious youth murders in the last 15 years. "In the past maybe there wasn't a strong enough deterrent for carrying knives," said the centre-half. "It is not always the person intending to hurt someone who gets injured. People carrying the knives also get hurt. Boredom can set in a lot of times, there is a lot of peer pressure and then something happens that everyone regrets."
In a statement, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said knife crime was a "serious problem" in many British conurbations. "Young people need to understand that carrying a knife, just like carrying a gun, is dangerous and wrong," he said. "But... government and the police can't solve this problem by themselves. We need to change the way young people think about knives, we need families and communities working together, and we need influential role models."
England's players were speaking ahead of their friendly match against the Czech Republic at London's Wembley Stadium on Wednesday. England's Italian manager Fabio Capello said his players want to use their influence to save other youngsters from a bloody fate. "The players are well aware of the positive impact that they can have on those growing up," he said.
AFP
19 August 2008
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ighkRZQ82uqbJyAnK_UF7WJQbrlg
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Troubled kids, what are parents to do?
As gas prices and the cost of food are rising, so is parents’ anxiety over their children and the paths that they choose. Some parents may feel that they are at a crossroads with their children. Working multiple jobs to keep the family afloat seldom leaves sufficient time for parents to bond with their offspring, which leads them to raise themselves or be raised by television and friends. As disturbing as this sounds, some parents, especially single mothers, do not have the luxury of staying at home to nurture their children. Yes, it is a luxury for some to be able to watch and experience their children’s growth. They instead have to work to keep a roof over their heads, dress them and most importantly, put food on the table. They become absentee parents. What else are they to do?
With the parents’ inability to properly raise their children, they turn to what they know best; television and sometimes gangs. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that those alternatives are detrimental to those children’s welfare. Reading the newspaper these days, there is nothing positive being said about children. They are turning to violence at a much younger age than they used to. A week ago, there was a story in the Sun-Sentinel newspaper about a couple of twelve-year-old girls that entered an elementary school and ransacked it. At that age, they are supposed to be playing with dolls. In the same paper and all over the news as well, last week, a fifteen-year-old boy murdered a fourteen year old girl. What could be in a child’s mind at fifteen to cause him to commit murder? Nowadays, each time a paper is printed, there is at least one story about teenagers engaging in criminal activities. What are the parents to do?
When we read these horrible stories about those children, we wonder where their parents are. It is true that some parents neglect their children when they could have been there for them. However, just as mentioned above, some parents are struggling just to keep their heads above water. They need help maintaining stability in their lives and in their children’s lives. In that case, the community in which they live in needs to step up and lend a helping to the parents by providing services that can help the children. There need to be more children’s services and free after school programs that will keep minors in school longer. Teachers and educators can volunteer or charge minimal fees to tutor and mentor the neighborhood children. There also need to be weekend programs with counseling services for children dealing with problems at home. According to the Florida Department of Corrections, it costs 19,000 dollars to house an inmate. If we pay attention to the kids early on, it will save the 19,000 dollars used to incarcerate them in the future and we will have more outstanding citizens.
Source: Celine Elveus
Sonshine Communications
Press release: BlackPRWire
17 August 2008
http://blackprwire.com/press-releases/1559-_bprw_troubled_kids_what_are_parents_to_do
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Are young men and women divided over housework, abortion?
Young people from 10 countries around the world have shared their views on housework and abortion issues in a new study from the University of Adelaide, Australia. The research, conducted by Professor Chilla Bulbeck in the University's Discipline of Gender, Work and Social Inquiry, looked at the attitudes of young men and women to a number of gender equality issues.
Small surveys were conducted at high schools and universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Indonesia. "Apart from Australia and Japan, my samples were small and confined to young, middle-class urbanites. Nevertheless, this study is unusual because it covers so many nations, and the comparisons offer some interesting food for thought," Professor Bulbeck says.
"Overall, the results show that young men and women are divided on the issues of sharing housework and a woman's right to have an abortion. It should come as no surprise that young women are more in favour of domestic democracy than the young men, while also being more supportive of a woman's right to have an abortion," she says.
"It is interesting to note that those in western countries tend to see sharing housework and 'role reversal' as similar ideas, whereas most of those from Asian countries who are also supportive of sharing housework were quite opposed to role reversal. While this might indicate to some people that greater equality exists in the western countries, another interpretation is that it demonstrates the greater commitment to the fathers' bread-winning role in the Asian countries."
Professor Bulbeck says the young men surveyed were more likely to want to have their say on abortion than they were on sharing housework. "While performing housework and childcare was seen as nothing short of emasculation for many of the young men in my study, this does not prevent them from claiming their rights in relation to abortion decisions," she says. "The Chinese people surveyed were the most accepting of a woman's right to have an abortion, with both males and females seeing this as her decision. In some cases, the Chinese responses asserted that both parents had responsibilities in relation to the child, but it was the woman's right alone to choose an abortion."
Professor Bulbeck's research, part of a study funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), will be published in a forthcoming book: Sex, Love and Feminism in the Asia Pacific: A cross-cultural study of young people's attitudes, due out in October by academic publisher Routledge.
University of Adelaide
14 August 2008
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118164.php
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UK
The first major study of kinship care in England addresses these questions directly by comparing the characteristics, progress and outcomes of children placed with kin (family and friends) with those of children placed with stranger foster carers. It also looks at the circumstances of kinship carers and the difficulties they face in obtaining support and in dealing with family relationships.
The first major study of kinship care in England addresses these questions directly by comparing the characteristics, progress and outcomes of children placed with kin (family and friends) with those of children placed with stranger foster carers. It also looks at the circumstances of kinship carers and the difficulties they face in obtaining support and in dealing with family relationships. This is important information for social work practitioners, especially as –partly as a result of this study’s findings – the Government is strongly promoting kinship care and the proportion of children in care who are placed with kin (11 per cent in 2007) is set to rise.
This study, funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, involved the participation of four local authorities, three of whom had a sizeable black and minority ethnic population. Together they provided data on 2,240 children, who were in placement with a kinship carer or with an unrelated foster carer. We analysed the basic data on these children, then reviewed the case files of 270 children, half of whom were living with kin and half with stranger foster carers on a set date, providing for a two-year follow-up. We also interviewed a sub-sample of 32 kin carers, their social workers, parents and children. Grandparents formed the largest group of kin carers (45 per cent), followed by aunts and uncles (32 per cent) and friends (18 per cent). A few children were cared for by cousins or siblings. Most children with kin were fostered, but some were on residence orders or were supported as children in need by children’s services.
The children in the two kinds of placement turned out to be remarkably similar in terms of their high levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties, the many adversities they had experienced and their characteristics. Both groups were difficult to look after. In contrast, the kin carers were much more disadvantaged than the stranger foster carers. Significantly more were lone carers (27 per cent v 14 per cent), mostly lone women , living in overcrowded conditions (35 per cent v 4 per cent); many more had a disability or chronic illness (31 per cent v 17 per cent) and experienced financial hardship (75 per cent v 13 per cent). Moreover, they made sacrifices to take in the children, often giving up a job or postponing retirement, experiencing strain in their marriages or becoming socially isolated.
Threats from parents were frequent, yet kin carers received relatively little help from social workers and fewer services overall than stranger foster carers. Their most pressing needs were for adequate financial payment, assistance with children’s behavioural difficulties and with children’s contact with their parents. Many kin carers were valiantly struggling alone to bring order to these children’s fragmented lives. Whilst some social workers were very sensitive to the needs of kin carers, there was sometimes an attitude from managers that kin should manage without help.
The study challenged some myths: it is not true that more black and minority ethnic children are placed with kin carers (as in the US) but the reverse, nor do kin carers more often take sibling groups. We also found that placements with kin were most successful when children were placed under the age of ten.
Children did equally well in both types of placement. A major difference was that by follow-up the placements with kin had lasted longer, partly because many stranger foster placements were only short-term but also because of the kin carers’ very high levels of commitment. This led them to persevere beyond the point at which unrelated carers conceded defeat.
Kinship care occupies an uneasy position on the boundary between the public and private spheres of caring, and this leads to a situation where some kin carers struggle to care for needy children with low levels of support and financial help. At present kin carers’ willingness to continue against the odds benefits the children they look after, but good outcomes for children are sometimes achieved at the expense of their carers. We concluded that there is a need for an authoritative national policy framework to improve the situation of kin carers and the children they look after.
Press release: Media Newswire
Source: Professor Elaine Farmer, Centre for Family Policy and Child
Welfare, School for Policy Studies
9 August 2008
http://media-newswire.com/release_1070267.html
This book is in our bookstore: Elaine Farmer and Sue Moyers. (2008). Kinship Care: Fostering Effective Family and Friends Placements. Jessica Kingsley.
Please click on flag____
Teens and tweens have been bullying each other for generations. The bullies of today, however, have the advantage of utilizing technology such as computers, cell phones and other electronic devices to inflict harm on others. In their book due out this month, Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying, Dr. Sameer Hinduja, Florida Atlantic University researcher, assistant professor in the department of criminal justice in the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs, and Internet safety expert, and Dr. Justin W. Patchin, assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, provide a comprehensive guide to identify, prevent and respond to this increasingly serious problem. The book is primarily based on Hinduja and Patchin’s original research with thousands of adolescents, many of whom were victims of cyberbullying. In addition to providing numerous practical strategies for educators, parents and other youth-serving adults, the book includes personal stories and case scenarios, an extensive overview of terminology and legal issues, and a clear explanation of the scope and prevalence of online aggression among youth.
“We are seeing a number of common types of cyberbullying quite regularly,” said Hinduja. “These methods of bullying range from posting obscene, insulting or slanderous messages on online social networking sites to malicious text messages sent via cell phones.” The consequences are not confined to cyberspace; Hinduja’s ongoing research has linked cyberbullying to lower self-esteem, depression, a drop in school grades, school delinquency, peer violence and suicide.
Focusing on how technology can facilitate and augment traditional bullying behaviors, Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard features:
llustrations of what cyberbullying looks like
Tips for identifying cyberbullies or targets
“Breakout boxes” highlighting hundreds of anti-cyberbullying strategies
A review of current research and legal rulings
Strategies for responsible social networking
Follow-up reflection questions in each chapter
Guidelines for school districts, parents and law enforcement
In 2007, Hinduja and Patchin conducted a classroom-based survey of approximately 2,000 middle-school children randomly selected from a large school district. They found that 17.3% had been cyberbullied in their lifetime, 17.6% admitted to cyberbullying others at some point in their lifetime, and 12.5% reported being both a victim and a bully. In addition, 42.9% of them had experienced at least one of the following in the last 30 days:
Received an email that made them upset (not spam)
Received an instant message (IM) that made them upset
Had something posted on MySpace that made them upset
Had been made fun of in a chat room
Had something posted on a Web site that made them upset
Had something posted online that they didn’t want others to see
Were afraid to go on the computer
The types of youth most susceptible, how they felt, who they told, how they coped, and how it affected their lives are some of the many findings covered in the book which illustrates the gravity of cyberbullying and its real-world repercussions. “This book provides timely research, best practices and personal voices from students that will go a long way toward improving student safety,” said Gail Connelly, executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
For more information, visit http://www.cyberbullyingbook.com
Source: Florida Atlantic University
Press release: NewsWise
7 August 2008
This
book is in our bookstore
Click on flag
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543280/
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It is back-to-school time and many young people are saying goodbye to their families and heading off to college. Others, however, are making the journey alone: thousands of foster care teens who have "aged out" of the system. For many of these youth, education has been the one promising constant in their lives – and now, at the threshold of adulthood, it is a struggle to find financial and emotional support to sustain their educational and career goals. "Care packages, internships, scholarships and other support give these young people hope," said Eileen McCaffrey, executive director of the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA), a Washington D.C.-based, national not-for-profit organization focused on education, mentoring and workforce development for those who have aged out. "At OFA, we encourage college-bound foster youth to succeed by connecting them with the love and resources of a caring community."
At any given point, there are more than 500,000 U.S. children in foster care. Every year, more than 25,000 of them age out of the system and face a challenging world without financial or family support. Only half of them finish high school and only about 13 percent start college. Of those who do go to college, half drop out in the first year. For those involved in OFA's programs, however, these numbers improve dramatically. More than 65 percent graduate from college within five years, a rate comparable to their peers.
There are several ways people can help support OFA's programs and close the educational gap:
Join the Care Package program: Three times a year, OFA sends care packages to thousands of foster students at colleges, universities and training programs nationwide. Consider donating just $20 to help OFA fill a care package with school supplies, gift cards and other items college students appreciate. Encourage employers to get involved, too, through funding contributions or in-kind donations.
Sponsor a Scholarship: Every penny from monetary donations designated for an OFA Sponsored Scholarship goes directly to the students. Each year, 2,000 hopeful young people apply for these programs.
Offer college internships: Your workplace could provide an environment for a foster teen to gain real world experience. Internships give them opportunities they might never have on their own.
"All of us can do something to help foster youth achieve their educational dreams," added McCaffrey.
SOURCE: Orphan Foundation of America
Press release: Market Watch
6 August 2008
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OUR PARTNERS IN CARE
Recreation and park agencies play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles
When community leaders brainstorm ways to improve the health and well-being of youth and families, a team usually brings together doctors and health care professionals, hospitals, public health organizations and schools. But recreation and park agencies are another key player in the fight against childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic diseases says a new report.
"Community recreation and parks is the health provider that you don't know about," says Andrew Mowen, Ph.D., lead author and associate professor of recreation and park management at Penn State. "Traditionally, these agencies are considered as organizers of games and sports in a town's parks or ball fields. But our study shows that 9 out of 10 recreation and park professionals are actively involved in a health partnership, sometimes several of them."
Mowen and his research team conducted a nationwide survey of over 1,200 recreation and park administrators, who were members of the National Recreation and Park Association. Also, in-depth interviews were completed with 16 recreation professionals across the United States in order to understand key themes and issues for the survey.
"Twenty years ago, health care providers didn't consider recreation and park professionals to be a partner in the campaigns to promote health. But in the 1990s, community-based health partnerships were starting to consider the role of recreation and parks in promoting physical activity and quality of life, since many related programs are offered by recreation and park managers," said Geoffrey Godbey, co-principal investigator of the study, and professor emeritus in the recreation, park and tourism management department.
The study found that 88 percent said their organization was involved in a health partnership, with an average of four partnerships per agency. The most common partners were schools, public health agencies and non-profit organizations. Municipal recreation and parks agencies provide access to low-cost facilities such as ball fields, parks and walking trails for programs, which are highly visible and well known to local residents. Such agencies already reach out to at-risk groups targeted in health campaigns such as children, older adults, low-income and minority families.
"Health campaigns naturally involve recreation and park departments because they provide low-cost, close-to-home opportunities for physical activity, such as trails, recreation centers, outdoor courts, and outdoor swimming facilities," says Mowen. "Parks, trails and recreation centers can also serve as settings for physical rehabilitation."
Successful partnerships were likely to show high levels of trust among partner agencies, a recognized need for the collaboration, administrative support, and staff empowerment. Common health partnership challenges include a lack of seed funding, communication and turf issues, and garnering full support from community stakeholders such as local government or school board members. Despite these barriers, study results suggest that small, rural recreation and park departments are increasingly interested in being an active health partnership participant.
"Having facilities is critical, but then, programs also have to be established to bring in residents and encourage them to take part," say Mowen. "Partnerships that include after-school programs, diet and nutritional information, and policy efforts to promote recreational settings should be encouraged. "
"The study was designed to provide baseline information on the state of current health partnership practices within the profession, their successes and their challenges," says the Penn State researcher. "Such information can be used to help a community effectively develop a program in health and physical activity promotion."
Press Release: EurekAlert
4 August 2008
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-08/ps-rap080408.php
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Injuries caused by gun and knife crime are costing the National Health Service in excess of 3million pounds a year, new research reveals. The study, by the Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN) at The University of Manchester, looked at all penetrating trauma injuries that resulted in immediate admission to hospital for three or more days or death within 93 days. Stabbings accounted for almost three-quarters of all penetrative injuries with an average cost to the NHS per victim of £7,196. Firearm injuries, accounting for nearly a fifth of cases studied, cost an average of £10,307 per patient, while penetrating injuries caused by vehicle collisions, only 2% of cases, cost the most at £16,185 per patient.
The research, based on TARN data from half (121) of all hospitals receiving trauma patients in England and Wales, was carried out between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2005. The results show that there were 1,365 patients with penetrating trauma injuries, 91% of whom were male. The median age was 30 years.
More than 90% of injuries were alleged assaults, and 47% of the patients were admitted to critical care. Overall hospital mortality rate was 8.3%, and the rate for stabbing was 7%. "Our findings indicate that the initial hospital costs associated with penetrating trauma are substantial, and vary to a considerable degree by patient, injury and treatment characteristics," said Dr Fiona Lecky, research director at TARN.
"Although the costs of penetrating trauma resulting from shooting are higher than from stabbing, the most commonly used weapon in violent crime in England and Wales is actually a knife. At an average cost of £7,699 per penetrating injury from alleged assault and a total of 417 injuries per year requiring hospitalisation for at least three days, the total acute care cost of this type of injury alone may exceed £3.2 million annually. Public health initiatives that aim to reduce the incidence and severity of penetrating trauma are therefore likely to produce significant savings in acute trauma care costs.''
The study, funded by TARN and Novo Nordisk and carried out by Health Economist Steven Morris from the University of Brunel, looked at treatment costs for each patient based on initial hospitalisation. It included costs of transportation, hospital stay and all surgical procedures performed.
"Considering the additional medical costs of rehabilitation and broader costs to society resulting from lost productivity, permanent disability, premature death and the pain and suffering of the victims and their families, there is a compelling argument for money to be better spent on prevention strategies that reduce violent incidents," said Dr Lecky. It should be borne in mind that most of the cost of trauma, especially stabbing, is not to the health service but in billions per annum to the taxpayer through legal costs, loss of productive tax-paying years in those that die or are severely disabled and in long-term care. Trauma is the most expensive, and neglected, 'disease' to society because it mainly affects young tax paying people.''
Article adapted by Medical News Today
from original press release
2 August 2008
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/116960.php
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